Tool Box

High School Students Excel in LMU’s Upward Bound Program

Lazy summer days might be the norm for many high school students, but not for a focused group from Westchester High School. For the past two years, more than 60 Westchester High students have spent their summer living at Loyola Marymount University and preparing for college.

Through LMU’s Upward Bound Program, students have made the commitment to finish high school and pursue a college education. Upward Bound is a federally funded program that increases high school graduation rates and college enrollment rates among first-generation, low-income students.

“The program is a perfect example of LMU’s service-driven mission," said Norma Romero, director of Upward Bound at LMU. "Westchester High School is right in our own backyard. It’s fitting that we partner with this community to get kids ready and excited about going to college. It has been inspiring to see their growth and progress.”

During their stay at LMU, the students take college prep and enrichment courses, attend financial aid and admissions seminars, and receive tutoring and mentoring support from current LMU students and staff. Throughout the academic year LMU’s Upward Bound tutors and academic coordinator hold weekly advising hours in order to monitor students’ progress.

The most recent group has competed in a Web research design competition, TRIO Quest, against other Upward Bound students across the nation and won commendations for their Web site entry in November 2009.

“We are very proud of their achievement and I have no doubt they will continue to excel in everything they set their minds to,” said Romero.